On the Development and Distribution of Primitive Locks and Keys

"On the Development and Distribution of Primitive Locks and Keys" by Pitt-Rivers is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work explores the historical evolution and geographical dispersion of locks and keys, utilizing both etymological analysis and archaeological evidence. The narrative delves into the origins of various locking mechanisms, emphasizing their significance in early societal structures and daily life. The opening of the text discusses the etymology of terms related to locks and keys, tracing their roots through various languages, including Latin and Sanskrit. It highlights how the earliest locking devices were likely simple bolts secured by wooden mechanisms. The author notes that as societies evolved, the complexity of locks increased, driven by the growing need for security and efficiency in managing property. The passage sets the stage for a detailed examination of specific types of locks, their functionalities, and their occurrences across different cultures and time periods. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Lieutenant General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers was an English officer in the British Army, ethnologist, and archaeologist. He was noted for innovations in archaeological methodology, and in the museum display of archaeological and ethnological collections. His international collection of about 22,000 objects was the founding collection of the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford while his collection of English archaeology from the area around Stonehenge forms the basis of the collection at The Salisbury Museum in Wiltshire.